From memory, and as I understand it, American's wishing to secure the indentured services of a Hessian POW for a period of three years, and on payment of 80 Spanish dollars (Continental currency being largely worthless), could execute this Certificate of Redemption form along with the signature of the Hessian soldier. This meant that the Hessian soldier was indentured to his American master. The American masters were responsible for their indentured Hessian soldiers. Most were used as farm labor and as artisans largely in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Many such Hessians, of course used this as an alternative to service in the Continental Army, or remaining in custody as POW's at various internment locations in Virginia and Pennsylvania. The Hessian soldier captives had no money themselves but did occasionally receive cloth and food provided through the British forces. The Hessian officers, who were required to do no work, received a better deal including some funds but had to sign their parole not to attempt to escape American custody. These arrangements worked well especially in the large German speaking areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia where many of the Hessian POW's were virtually adopted by their American masters. If such documents can be found they could tell a lot about where the Hessian POW was interned, who he worked for, and the terms of his indenturement. Don Fehlings Renton, Washington, USA Tel: 425/255-8588 Dfehlings@aol.com